Mustel Celesta

Victor Mustel invented the Dulcitone in 1860, but it was his son Auguste who invented the Celesta (or Celeste) in 1889. However this particular model was built by Victor and is clearly signed by him.

This one is ex-BBC from the Maida Vale studios and has been used and featured on many recordings and broadcasts over the years. It sold for £2,650 on Ebay. I think this is a good price - new ones are very expensive indeed.

Comments

Wow, there are some great looking harmoniums on that site. My favourites are the Debians.

As for purchasing a Mustel harmonium, all I can suggest is to search some sites in France itself. French harmoniums are quite unusual in Britain. The French ebay sometimes has some harmoniums, although ebay doesn't seem to be quite as popular there as it is in the UK & US. Perhaps the French use another auction site...

I've come across Gerald's comment by pure luck as I'm researching the old harmonium at the chapel I attend - that is now obsolete and very much in the way. It appears to be the Mustel pictured at the top of the page. It is a beautiful instrument in ebony or ebonised wood. Squeezyboy, would you use your admin powers to get Gerald to email me? Would you like me to get some pictures of the harmonium?

I've come across Gerald's comment by pure luck as I'm researching the old harmonium at the chapel I attend - that is now obsolete and very much in the way. It appears to be the Mustel pictured at the top of the page. It is a beautiful instrument in ebony or ebonised wood. Squeezyboy, would you use your admin powers to get Gerald to email me? Would you like me to get some pictures of the harmonium?

Could you send me a photo of the Mustel harmonium you discovered in the chapel? Do you happen to know the serial number?
Is that one for sale, if it is, how much do they want to have? What about the condition? Is it currently payable or in need of restauration?

Kyra.....
A good friend of mine has a Mustel Celeste
for sale. He inherited from his late father
and I have seen it. It is in very nice condition...almost excellent. It plays and sounds GREAT. With a couple of little "tweaks" here and there it would be just about brand new mechanically. He does not play the piano much and wants to unload this celeste just to make room in his house.
It's Mahoghany and looks just about like the one that is pictured in this site.
Pls. put up a comment if interested and I will supply you with a e-mail address and a price. (We know what it's worth but he is likely to make a good deal to someone that would provide this nice instrument with a good home.)
I do play piano, and I played it and it was really cool. I could not stop playing the darn thing!! (-:
I will check back soon. Thanks!!
Squeezeboy, What a great site!!

I am very interested in the Mustel celesta.
Any chance that it´s still for sale. Please let me know.
I am in love with that sound:)
If it is still available my e-mail is sunemartin@hotmail.com
Thanks a lot in advance

I acquired a Simone Brothers (New York/Philadelphia) Celesta that I would like to sell... please email for photos and more information. cherylDOTkefferATyahoo ... I am located in Baltimore, Maryland. Thanks!

I've got a quite old Victor Mustel celeste that I'm thinking about selling. Serial number is 862 84, and has Victor's signature on the inside, which I believe dates it to the 1880s or 90s. Recently repaired, and all keys work great. This is definitely a working, playable celesta. Located in NYC.